If you’re craving a vibrant, full-flavored dish that comes together in a flash, the Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings tender slices of beef and a colorful medley of crisp vegetables together with a savory sauce that’s both comforting and energizing. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe delicious and balanced. Each item plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and even color that make the dish so satisfying.
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Choosing sirloin ensures tender, juicy beef that cooks quickly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A healthy fat that offers a neutral base for cooking without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a bright pop of color to your stir-fry.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Provides crunch and nutritional goodness with vitamins and fiber.
- 1/2 cup snow peas: Lends a crisp texture and subtle sweetness to complement the beef.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly tangy and sweet flavor punch to the stir-fry.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to perfectly coat all the ingredients.
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This sets the stage for a quick, hot sauté which is essential to get the perfect sear on your beef and keep veggies crisp.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the pan and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step locks in the beef’s flavor and tenderness. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside—don’t worry, it’s going to join the party again soon!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same pan, toss in the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal here is to achieve tender-crisp vegetables, which provide a wonderful contrast to the savory meat.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This sauce will be your flavor powerhouse, balancing salty, sweet, and thickened textures perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Vegetables
Pour the sauce mixture over your stir-fried vegetables and stir them well to coat every bite with that glossy, flavorful glaze. This step ensures the veggies soak up all those delicious seasonings.
Step 6: Return Beef and Finish Cooking
Return the browned beef to the pan and toss everything together so the meat and vegetables become one harmonious dish. Cook for another 2 or 3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully, clinging to every bite.
Step 7: Serve Up the Stir-Fry
Serve your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe hot and fresh over rice, noodles, or your preferred base. This dish is best enjoyed straight from the pan while it’s bursting with flavor and warmth.
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top to add a little extra crunch and a burst of color. A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can bring a hint of heat for those who love a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or chewy soba noodles, offering a neutral canvas that soaks up the sauce. For a lighter option, try serving with cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad to complement the flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, serve the Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe in lettuce cups or over a bed of crispy wonton strips. You can also create individual bowls layered with grains and topped with your stir-fry for a nourishing, vibrant meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the beef stir-fry chilled not only preserves its flavor but also maintains the texture of the vegetables reasonably well.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe because some vegetables may become mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, spread it in a shallow container and consume it within one month for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce silky and to revive the tenderness of the beef and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Flank steak or ribeye also work well because they are tender and cook quickly. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that still delivers loads of flavor and texture.
How can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?
Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure all other sauces or ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free.
What can I add for extra crunch or flavor?
Try tossing in chopped cashews, peanuts, or water chestnuts for a delightful crunch, or add fresh ginger and garlic at the start of cooking to deepen the flavor profile.
Can this recipe be meal prepped for the week?
Definitely! Preparing the ingredients ahead and cooking a batch of this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe makes for easy, quick meals throughout the week. Just remember to store the components separately if possible to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is the kind of dish you want to make again and again because it’s easy, tasty, and nourishing. It brings a perfect balance of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a luscious sauce that feels homemade and satisfying. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and exciting in every bite!
Print
Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful beef stir-fry featuring tender sirloin with crisp vegetables in a savory hoisin-soy sauce, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Cook the beef: Add the thinly sliced sirloin to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside to keep warm.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry them for 3–4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, retaining their bright colors and slight crunch.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful coating sauce.
- Add sauce to vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked vegetables in the skillet and stir well to coat all the veggies evenly.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and thoroughly coats the beef and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the beef stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness.
- You can substitute the sirloin with flank steak or ribeye for different textures.
- Adjust the vegetable selection based on your preference—carrots or snap peas work well.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
